How Your “Caring” Leadership Style Is Hurting Your Well Being and What You Can Do About It as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader

The Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader: Make a Greater Impact by Creating a High Performance Team while Avoiding Stress and Overwhelm

#Non-Profit #Business #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Aid for Aid Workers #Torrey Peace

40:34

We’ve turned intuition into a buzzword—flattened it into a slogan, a gut feeling, or a vague whisper we don’t always know how to hear. But what if intuition is so much more? What if it's one of the most powerful tools we have—and we’ve just forgotten how to use it? In this episode, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir , Icelandic thought leader, filmmaker, and author of InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times . Hrund has spent over 20 years studying and teaching the science and art of intuition through her TED Talk, Netflix documentary (InnSæi: The Power of Intuition), and global work on leadership, innovation, and inner knowing. Together, we explore what intuition really is (hint: not woo-woo), how to cultivate it in a culture obsessed with logic and overthinking, and why your ability to listen to yourself might be the most essential skill you can develop. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we’ve misunderstood intuition—and how to reclaim it ✅ Practical ways to strengthen your intuitive muscle ✅ What Icelandic wisdom teaches us about inner knowing ✅ How to use intuition during uncertainty and decision-making ✅ Why trusting yourself is an act of rebellion (and power) Intuition isn’t magic—it’s a deep, internal guidance system that already exists inside you. The question is: are you listening? Connect with Hrund: Website: www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Newsletter: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/blog/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir IG: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/ Book: InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times Related Podcast Episodes: How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 VI4P - Know Who You Are (Chapter 4) Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

about a year ago 11:19

MP3•Episode home

Could your leadership style be the hidden cause of your stress and burnout?

You may think you are leading in a way you feel is "caring" for your team and helpful, but in reality you may be impacting your wellbeing and theirs as well. This episode uncovers the direct link between your leadership approach and your overall wellness, offering practical insights to transform your leadership style for better health and productivity.

In this 11 minute episode you'll learn:

Learn how the CHS Alliance "Leading Well" Report connects leadership styles with well-being.
Discover which leadership style creates the highest levels of well-being.
Get actionable tips to start improving your leadership approach and personal well-being today.

Don't miss out on the chance to revolutionize your leadership style and boost your well-being—tune in to this episode now and start your journey towards becoming a more effective and healthier leader!

Resources mentioned: CHS Alliance and ICVA Leading Well Report - Aid Worker Perspectives on Well Being and Organizational Culture

What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz:

Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit.

This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

69 episodes

How Your “Caring” Leadership Style Is Hurting Your Well Being and What You Can Do About It as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader

The Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader: Make a Greater Impact by Creating a High Performance Team while Avoiding Stress and Overwhelm

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Could your leadership style be the hidden cause of your stress and burnout?

In this 11 minute episode you'll learn:

Learn how the CHS Alliance "Leading Well" Report connects leadership styles with well-being.
Discover which leadership style creates the highest levels of well-being.
Get actionable tips to start improving your leadership approach and personal well-being today.

Resources mentioned: CHS Alliance and ICVA Leading Well Report - Aid Worker Perspectives on Well Being and Organizational Culture

What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz:

69 episodes

#Non-Profit #Business #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Aid for Aid Workers #Torrey Peace

All episodes

1
MVP: Batching to Save Time as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader 20:56

3 days ago20:56

20:56

Are endless emails, scattered reports, and back-to-back meetings draining your energy and time? If you're a humanitarian or development leader feeling overwhelmed by constant task-switching, this episode will show you a powerful yet underused strategy— batching —to help you take back control of your time and reduce stress. In this episode you'll discover: What makes "batching" an efficient and easy way to get things done Learn the most common daily and weekly tasks in aid work that are perfect for batching (spoiler: it's not just emails). Get a step-by-step process to implement batching with your team so everyone becomes more efficient—without burning out. Tune in now to learn how one small shift in how you organize tasks can help you reclaim hours each week and lead with more clarity and focus. What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
Why Having Fun May be the Key to a Higher Performance Team as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader 15:56

10 days ago15:56

15:56

Is your team running on empty, losing motivation, or just plain burned out? What if the solution was as simple as having more fun ? In this episode of The Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader , you’ll explore why too many supervisors in our sector see fun as a distraction—when in fact, it’s one of the most powerful tools for team resilience, creativity, and long-term performance. In this episode you'll discover: How fun at work can directly reduce burnout and increase engagement. Why accountability and fun aren’t mutually exclusive—and how to do both effectively. Get practical, budget-free strategies to create a more vibrant, motivated work culture starting today. Tune in now to learn how injecting fun into your leadership style can energize your team and transform your work environment—no extra resources required. What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
How to Make Difficult Conversations Easy as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader 16:47

17 days ago16:47

16:47

Are you delaying a difficult conversation because you're afraid it might make things worse? If you’re a NGO leader, you already know that tough conversations—whether it’s with a struggling team member or your own supervisor—can feel like emotional landmines. But avoiding them might be costing you more than you realize. In this episode you'll discover: What truly makes conversations feel “difficult” and how to shift that mindset How to frame tough discussions in a way that benefits everyone involved Hear real examples from the field that prove why having the conversation now can lead to a better outcome later Listen now to learn how to turn difficult conversations into powerful leadership moments that build trust and resilience on your team. What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
Why the Questions You Ask May Prevent Your Team's Growth and What to Do About It as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader 20:37

24 days ago20:37

20:37

Are the questions you ask your team limiting their growth and independence? As a NGO leader, your job isn't just to get answers — it's to empower your team to think for themselves. But what if your well-meaning questions are undermining their confidence and slowing their development? In this episode you'll discover: Learn the subtle but critical difference between test questions and coaching questions . How to ask questions that promote critical thinking and independence — not dependence on you. Examples of common “leadership traps” and how to replace them with questions that lead to empowered, high-performing teams. Listen now to start shifting your leadership questions from control to true empowerment — and watch your team thrive. What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “ What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
5 Signs Your Team Feels Disempowered and What to Do For Greater Impact as a Humanitarian and International Development Supervisor 18:58

4 weeks ago18:58

18:58

Is your team feeling empowered or could they be achieving more? If you're supervising a humanitarian or development team, it's essential to understand how disempowerment silently sabotages motivation and progress. In this episode, you'll learn to recognize the subtle signs of disempowerment and shift your leadership approach to unlock your team's full potential. Among other things you'll learn: Why even experienced team members may resist empowerment — and how to compassionately guide them out of it. A key leadership mindset shift that can reduce your stress and increase your team's ownership and creativity. Find out the simple, powerful question you can ask to immediately reframe a disempowered team member’s mindset. Listen to today’s episode to uncover practical strategies you can use right away to build a more empowered, motivated, and high-performing team! What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader 24:40

5 weeks ago24:40

24:40

Are you constantly putting off donor reports, team reviews, or budget tasks — and then beating yourself up for it? If you're a modern NGO leader, you understand procrastination may not be about laziness at all. In this episode, we uncover how your thought patterns , not your workload, are likely behind your delay — and how this hidden mental loop might be costing you energy, confidence, and productivity. In this episode you'll discover: 3 main emotional triggers that cause procrastination in high-performing humanitarian leaders Learn how to identify and overcome the thoughts leading to procrastination Get actionable strategies to start tasks now — without waiting to do them last minute Tune into this episode to reclaim your focus, ditch the guilt, and become the intentional, impact-driven leader your team needs. "Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader" course - registration for May 2025 now open! What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
How To Know If You're Truly a Successful Leader as a Humanitarian and International Development Supervisor 24:33

6 weeks ago24:33

24:33

What really makes someone a successful leader—and how might the popular definition of a "successful leader" be wrong? If you're in the NGO sector, you may have unknowingly adopted a definition of leadership rooted in power, prestige, or control. In this episode, we’ll challenge that idea and explore a more inspiring, sustainable version of success—one that benefits both you and your team. In this episode you'll discover: 4 overlooked signs of true leadership success (hint: none involve titles or salaries) Why your team’s ability to operate without you is your greatest leadership test Find out how believing in others before they believe in themselves can spark powerful transformations Press play to redefine what it means to be a successful leader and walk away with practical tools to grow your team and yourself. Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader course is open for registration!!! Learn more or register by clicking here. What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
3 Steps to Build a Higher Performance Team without Adding to Your Workload as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader 18:46

7 weeks ago18:46

18:46

Still juggling team development and daily tasks like they’re two different jobs? What if they didn’t have to be? As a NGO leader, you’re constantly pulled between delivering on project goals and trying to empower your team. But what if your everyday work could also be a powerful training ground for building a stronger team—without needing extra hours or resources? In this episode, you’ll learn: A 3-step framework to start leading more strategically while still getting things done How to delegate tasks as you go by creating systems that future-proof your team The coaching approach that encourages innovation and independence—without micromanaging If you're ready to make more impact with less overwhelm, hit play and learn how to turn your daily routine into a leadership advantage. Resources Mentioned: Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
How to Create the Change You Want as a NGO Leader 21:25

8 weeks ago21:25

21:25

Are you unknowingly giving up control over your career, leadership, and well-being? This episode reveals how NGO leaders often underestimate their influence—and what you can do about it today. In this episode you'll discover: The three most common ways NGO leaders give up their power—and how to stop doing so. How to rethink career progression and create opportunities beyond the ‘traditional’ path. Practical steps to take control of your work culture, team leadership, and personal well-being. Don’t allow assumptions to block your ability to create change—start shaping the NGO career and leadership style you want today. Tune in now to learn how to take back your influence and create meaningful change! What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
How to Make More Impact by Saying No to More Things as a NGO Leader with Pravat Gurung 32:39

9 weeks ago32:39

32:39

Are you feeling overwhelmed by endless meetings and responsibilities as an NGO leader? What if saying "no" more often could actually help you make a greater impact? Many NGO leaders struggle with taking on too much, leading to burnout and inefficiency. In this episode, Pravat Gurung shares how learning to say "no" helped him reclaim his time, empower his team, and become a more effective leader. If you’ve ever felt like you need to do it all, this conversation will show you a better way. In this episode you'll discover: How setting boundaries and prioritizing key responsibilities can help you lead more effectively. Learn the power of trust and vulnerability in leadership and how they can transform team dynamics. Gain practical steps to structure your time and empower your team for greater efficiency and impact. Hit play now to learn how saying “no” to the right things can help you create a bigger impact in your work as an NGO leader! Resources Mentioned: Pravat Gurung's Linkedin Profile Register Now: Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader If you’d like to become more productive, be able to say no and empower your team to make an even greater impact, sign up now for the May 6th course! You can find a link for more information and to register here!…

1
How A Modern NGO Leader Survives Change and Other Best Practices 42:11

10 weeks ago42:11

42:11

Are you struggling to balance empowering your team while navigating constant change as an NGO leader? Today my special guest Ross Coxon, Director of Client Delivery for Humentum, joins me in a joint discussion around what is needed to thrive as a modern NGO leader in today's complex environment. In this episode you'll learn: Gain insights on how to build trust within your team and encourage innovation. Learn how to balance vulnerability and leadership for stronger, more resilient teams. Discover why empowering others (and letting go of control) is key to surviving and thriving in NGO leadership. Link to Register for Humentum course in partnership with Aid for Aid Workers: Becoming the Modern NGO Leader Course…

1
How Unchecked Assumptions Are Impacting Your Decision Making as a NGO Leader 16:02

11 weeks ago16:02

16:02

In this episode, we unpack the power of distinguishing facts from assumptions—a skill that’s not always intuitive but essential for reducing stress and making sound decisions. If you're struggling to lead with clarity, this conversation is for you. In this episode you'll discover: How to identify common mistakes that distort your perception of reality. Practical techniques to turn vague assumptions into concrete facts. How clarifying your thoughts can reduce stress and enhance leadership outcomes. Tune in now to gain powerful insights that will help you lead with confidence and clarity—so you can make high quality decisions! REGISTER FOR FREE WEBINAR: "How to Feel Better During Hard Times as a NGO Leader" This one hour webinar will give you practical tools to understand the source of your uncomfortable feelings, solutions to address those feelings so you feel better immediately. Come to the live call to discuss your particular situation and what you can do to step away from stress and into action. Please register by selecting your preferred day and time below: Wednesday, March 12th - 10am to 11am Bangkok time Monday, March 17th - 2:30pm to 3:30pm Bangkok time Monday, March 17th - 8pm to 9pm Bangkok time Tuesday, March 25th - 10am to 11am Bangkok time Tuesday, March 25th - 8pm to 9pm Bangkok time This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
How to Greatly Reduce Your Stress During Uncertain Times as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader 20:49

12 weeks ago20:49

20:49

As an NGO leader, you're already facing enough external challenges—funding cuts, humanitarian crises, and job uncertainty. But what if part of your stress is coming from how you're thinking about these challenges? In this episode, we’ll explore how your mindset may be adding unnecessary suffering and what you can do to break free from it. More specifically you'll discover: How to recognize and stop unhelpful "what if" thinking before it spirals. Simple mindset shifts that reduce anxiety and help you focus on what you can control. Find out how to communicate in ways that minimize drama rather than amplify it—both in your own mind and in conversations with others. Press play now to start reducing unnecessary stress for yourself and others! REGISTER FOR FREE WEBINAR: "How to Feel Better During Hard Times as a NGO Leader" This one hour webinar will give you practical tools to understand the source of your uncomfortable feelings, solutions to address those feelings so you feel better immediately. Come to the live call to discuss your particular situation and what you can do to step away from stress and into action. Please register by selecting your preferred day and time below: Wednesday, March 12th - 10am to 11am Bangkok time Monday, March 17th - 2:30pm to 3:30pm Bangkok time Monday, March 17th - 8pm to 9pm Bangkok time Tuesday, March 25th - 10am to 11am Bangkok time Tuesday, March 25th - 8pm to 9pm Bangkok time This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
Using Difficult Circumstances to Become a More Impactful NGO Leader 17:33

13 weeks ago17:33

17:33

Are you feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty in the humanitarian and development sector? As a leader in this field, you're no stranger to unpredictability. But when circumstances feel out of your hands, it can lead to paralysis, anxiety, and doubt about your next steps. In this episode, I share a powerful shift in perspective that can help you break free from fear, refocus, and take meaningful action—even in times of crisis. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: Why resistance to reality creates more suffering—and how acceptance leads to empowerment. How to reframe challenges as opportunities to grow stronger, instead of feeling like a victim of circumstances. Practical strategies to move from overwhelm to clarity, so you can lead with confidence despite external uncertainty. Don’t let difficult circumstances hold you back—press play now and learn how to take control as a modern NGO leader! What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.…

1
How Your “Caring” Leadership Style Is Hurting Your Well Being and What You Can Do About It as a Humanitarian and International Development Leader 11:19

14 weeks ago11:19